“President Obama expels 35 Russian diplomats in Cold War deja vu. Everybody, including the American people, will be glad to see the last of this hapless administration,” it said.

Mr Obama on Thursday sanctioned Russian intelligence services and their top officials, kicked out 35 Russian officials and closed down two Russian-owned compounds in the U.S. It was the strongest action the Obama administration has taken to date to retaliate for a cyberattack.

“All Americans should be alarmed by Russia’s actions,” he said. He added: “Such activities have consequences.”